teaching…

It’s been a busy first two weeks in the classroom at Kawa Training Center. My 14 students have completed two topics, sat two written exams and done three practical assessments. They have all done so well… and they have welcomed me with open arms. I think some get more out of my lessons than others, either due to English language level (one because of tiredness because they are studying and working and being a single parent) or because of their general learning ability. A couple are really struggling to read & write so I am working very hard to try and find a learning and exam method that will work for them.

It’s so wonderful that I am learning, too and continuing to develop my understanding and skills around teaching in an African culture. It has also been the first time I have had to grade someone’s learning in percentage to see if they pass or fail. It’s difficult!! Yikes, especially when you get to know these young people and understand the reasons for why they want or need to get a job in hospitality.

But I am so very proud of every single one of them (even if not everyone is passing on the first go!). They are trying so hard, they are enthusiastic and they are not giving up when it’s difficult and what makes my heart happiest is seeing how they are helping each other when someone is struggling! ♥️

Now that we are done with the more theoretical part of the course, I am very excited to start teaching them about food ingredients, glasses, crockery & cutlery, about types of beverages and how to set a table for a nice atmosphere – might even do a napkin folding session!! It’ll mean that we get out of the classroom more, I hate being stuck in there – and I am trying to build relationships with different hotels and restaurants to let us come and do some more practical stuff on top of the two field trips already planned.

I find it difficult to explain how much this experience is already affecting me… my students’ stories are heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time and I am so desperate to help them fulfil their dreams of getting employment this year… One of the guys asked me on the second day: “madam, will I get a job if I pass?” (am still working on them not calling me madam – makes me feel super old when they do that – haha) And what could I say? Can’t promise, can only encourage them to work hard, ask lots of questions and take full advantage of the two month placement they get after we finish with the teaching part… oh, but how I hope that it does happen for the majority of them!